BROOKINGS Congressman Dusty Johnson talked for about three minutes on Friday, giving a basic lesson about how American government works at the federal, state and local level.
Following that he fielded questions hes a Lutheran, a Republican, and not a lawyer for more than an hour from young constituents who did not vote for him not yet anyway: about 40 students in grades 3, 4 and 5 at St. Thomas More Catholic School in Brookings. Meanwhile, Principal Marissa Kessler and teachers listened as their charges kept the meeting going with questions general, specific and personal.
America is something special. I believe in American exceptionalism, Johnson explained. I believe that the hand of God has touched our country. We have an obligation and a special obligation to make this world a better place.
Johnson noted that on Sunday (Jan. 12), he and a group of his fellow House members would be having dinner at Mar-a-Lago with President-elect Donald Trump. I hope its hamburgers. I like hamburgers.
Answers to a variety of questions included: Medicare and Social Security need to be taken care of before the money runs out dont know if Panama wants to sell the canal, A uniquely American avenue, moving the most imports and exports through the canal students guessed Johnsons age to be 44, 50, 30, until one boy nailed it: 48, born on Sept. 30, 1976.
Why do you want to be governor? a student asked. You know how rumors are? Johnson responded. I dont think one should stay in one political office forever. I never really wanted to go to D.C. and stay there forever. A lot of people have said that Im interested in running for governor. Now lets assume for a minute that I was interested in running for governor. Why would I be interested in running? This is a great state; but I think there are some real exciting opportunities to make better what I think is the most special place (South Dakota) on the planet.
Do you live in the White House? He responded that he did not. He lives in a small one-room apartment in the Washington, D.C.,area for which he pays $2,600 a month.
In response to a question about sports, Johnson let it be known that when he attended school in Pierre, he was known as White Lightning for the speed with which he ran track, the quarter mile.
The congressman is definitely no fan of Tik Tok: Its just garbage; its just junk. Communist China uses it as propaganda.
Contact John Kubal at [email protected].
Leave a Reply